By Mike Colpitts Owner financing is making a comeback in the housing market as homeowners look for ways to sell their homes in the sluggish economy. Selling a home with an owner carrying the mortgage was hardly heard of during the housing boom, but it’s returned out of necessity as more owners explore alternative ways… Continue reading Owner Financing Breaks Into Fashion
Category: Statistics
Home Sales Rise to Boost Housing Market
By Mike Colpitts In two major positive signs for the U.S. housing market, home sales rose in October after sales took a nose dive during the normally busy summer season, and homes listed on the market for sale continued to decline. The existing sale of residential properties, including single family homes, townhouses and condominiums rose… Continue reading Home Sales Rise to Boost Housing Market
Jumbo Loan Limits Increased
By Kevin Chiu Jumbo loan limits, eliminated just two months ago have been increased by the Federal Housing Administration. The move raised loan limits to 125% of local median home prices to a maximum of $729,750. The FHA jumbo loan increase was approved by Congress, and is expected to be signed by President Barack Obama.… Continue reading Jumbo Loan Limits Increased
Mortgage Pace Slows Before Boom
By Mike Colpitts Despite the second lowest mortgage rates on record, refinances slowed to the slowest pace in weeks as consumers waited for new guidelines for home refinancing to be announced. Applications for refinancing slipped, driving home loan originations 10% lower, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association but are projected to boom this week. The… Continue reading Mortgage Pace Slows Before Boom
Mortgage Rates Remain Near Record Lows
By Kevin Chiu Mortgage rates remained near record low levels for the third week in a row as consumer concerns over the U.S. economy gave into positive news about the improving state of the economy, despite unemployment levels that have been at the highest levels in the nation’s history since the Great Depression. The 30-year… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Remain Near Record Lows
Foreclosures Rise in October, But Nevada’s Chill
By Mike Colpitts Foreclosure auctions, the final step in the formal bank repossession process increased in October, rising 8% from the prior month as foreclosures in states that require courts to formally approve foreclosures moved higher recovering from bank moratoriums. But Nevada saw a major drop in foreclosures as a result of a new law… Continue reading Foreclosures Rise in October, But Nevada’s Chill
5 Million Mortgage Modifications Completed
The volunteer private sector alliance of mortgage servicers, banks and investors Hope Now has surpassed 5 million mortgage modifications since the start of their program, according to the organization. “When Hope Now started reporting data at the end of 2007, loan modifications were barely measurable,” said Faith Schwartz, executive director of Hope Now. “Homeowners either… Continue reading 5 Million Mortgage Modifications Completed
Mortgage Rates Budge Higher
By Kevin Chiu Mortgage rates budged higher this week as on-going worries over the European debt crisis sent Treasury bond yields reeling, but had real little impact on interest rates. The fixed 30-year mortgage rose a slim two basis point to 4.00%, but remains near its record all-time low, according to Freddie Mac. The 15-year… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Budge Higher
Survey Reveals Banks Should Cut Mortgages
Homeowners in desperate need of help should have their mortgages cut by banks and mortgage lenders in an effort to aid the U.S. economy, and slow the rate of foreclosures. That’s the finding from a new Housing Predictor survey, which found that a large majority feel that the same banks that got the U.S. into… Continue reading Survey Reveals Banks Should Cut Mortgages
Mortgage Rates Drop Below 4%
By Mike Colpitts Mortgage rates on the benchmark 30-year fixed rate home loan slipped below 4% for the first time this year, according to Freddie Mac. The drop in rates came as Treasury bonds fell below 2% propelling the move as consumer worries over the European debt crisis impacted U.S. financial markets. The 30-year hit… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Drop Below 4%